US, Japan reaffirm cooperation toward nuclear-free North Korea

The US and Japan have agreed to intensify cooperation towards denuclearizing North Korea and expanding trade to the mutual benefit of both countries.

Addressing a press conference in Tokyo on Tuesday after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Vice President Mike Pence said the US has had a trade imbalance with Japan for too long. US products and services often face barriers to compete fairly in the Japanese market, Pence said, adding that he hopes both sides can sign a bilateral trade agreement, considering it the best opportunity for free, fair, and reciprocal trade practices.

In regards to North Korean issues, Pence reaffirmed the need to maintain sanctions until the complete denuclearization of North Korea is achieved.

Prime Minister Abe said both he and Vice President Pence agreed on the need to fully enforce UN resolutions on North Korea to force it to give up its missile and nuclear programs.